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Clark Council Meeting June 25, 2026
Published: Jun 25, 2026
Residents Question Grant Processes and Conservation Center Access
A resident questioned the township's process for obtaining federal grants, specifically regarding the involvement of Congressman Tom Kean Jr. in applications to FEMA. The resident suggested direct application to FEMA might be the standard process. Another resident inquired about access to the Westfield Conservation Center for Clark residents, noting that some residents were reportedly turned away. The council administration provided explanations for both issues during the meeting.
Debate Over PILOT Programs, Developer Tax Breaks, and School Funding Intensifies
Resident John Greavves raised concerns about the impact of PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) programs and tax breaks for developers on the school budget. He noted that while schools might state they don't need money, school tax levies have increased significantly over the last three years. He argued that the burden is ultimately shifted to taxpayers, not offset by developer contributions. The Mayor explained that PILOT programs and housing development are dictated by state laws, including obligations for affordable housing, and that any PILOT money given to schools would still require the township to fund its own services, resulting in the same total cost to taxpayers on their bills.
Resident Presses for Updates on Lawsuits, Disciplinary Hearings, and Rising Legal Fees
Resident Mike Schulman questioned the status of ongoing civil rights lawsuits and disciplinary proceedings. He noted that an article indicated the town had appealed a ruling, but as of the meeting, no appeal had been filed, and the case was headed for mandatory mediation. He asked about the town's objectives for this mediation and the town's definition of a 'win' in these proceedings, particularly as one defendant remains police director. Regarding disciplinary hearings, he inquired about the schedule and whether statutory timelines were waived, asking about the town's expected outcome. He also questioned the purpose and tangible results of the $30,000 public relations firm hired by the town and the significant increase in legal fees over the past five years, suggesting a lack of a plan to address these costs.
Clark Pursues Federal Grants for Fire Department Radio System and Rescue Pumper Replacement
The council discussed two grant applications related to the fire department. One is under the Assistant to Firefighters Grant program to replace the department's radio system, applied for in conjunction with Congressman Tom Kean Jr. The second grant, also from the Assistant to Firefighters Grant fund and addressed to Congressman Kean Jr., is intended to replace the aging rescue pumper. The administration clarified that while applications are made to FEMA, congressional support is crucial for the process, and the Congressman has provided letters of support.
Resident Criticizes Council Responsiveness on PR Spending, Legal Fees, and School Funding
Resident John Greavves expressed frustration over the council's perceived lack of responsiveness to his repeated questions regarding public relations firm expenditures, legal fees, and the impact of PILOT programs on schools. He contrasted the council's claim that remote meeting access is unnecessary with his experience of feeling unheard when he had to leave early due to childcare limitations. He also alleged that the town's public relations firm has not produced tangible results and that there is no clear plan to address escalating legal fees. The mayor and other council members provided responses defending the town's actions and explaining the legal and statutory frameworks governing their decisions.
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